Since the dawn of human civilization, horses have been domesticated and used for transportation, work, and recreation. But have you ever wondered why these powerful animals allow humans to climb onto their backs and control where they go?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fascinating reasons behind horses’ willingness to be ridden.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Horses let humans ride them due to domestication and training over thousands of years that have shaped them biologically and psychologically to accept riders.

The Effects of Domestication on Horses

Changed Physiology

Over thousands of years of domestication, horses have undergone significant physiological changes compared to their wild ancestors. Here are some of the key differences:

  • Size – Domestic horses are generally larger and more muscular than wild horses. Selective breeding has produced breeds twice the size of wild horses.
  • Diet – Wild horses graze on tough grasses and sedges. Domestic horses are fed soft, processed feeds rich in carbohydrates and protein.
  • Teeth – Domestic horses have shorter teeth that are prone to problems. Wild horses have longer teeth that wear down naturally.
  • Hooves – The hooves of domestic horses need frequent trimming. Wild horses have hardier hooves that wear down as they travel over rough terrain.
  • Colors – Due to selective breeding, domestic horses display a wider variety of colors and patterns than wild horses.

These physical changes occurred as humans selected for traits that suited domestication, like docility and athleticism. The softer diet and reduced exercise of domestic horses also contributed to their altered physiology.

Changed Psychology and Behavior

Being bred in captivity has also affected the psychology and behavior of domestic horses in various ways:

  • Social structure – Wild horses live in stable, complex herds. Domestic horses are kept in unstable, artificial groups.
  • Communication – Domestic horses are less adept at interpreting each other’s signals and body language.
  • Flight response – Domestic horses have a reduced flight response and tend to be more docile around humans.
  • Learning ability – Domestic horses are easier to train and have better memories due to reduced stress and stimuli.
  • Stereotypies – Repetitive behaviors like cribbing and weaving are more common in domestic horses.

These changes are largely attributed to domestication and intensive management by humans. Reduced social interaction, confinement, and breeding for tameness has shaped the psychology of domestic horses.

Training Horses to Allow Riders

Desensitization

To allow riders, horses must first become accustomed to human touch and being handled. This process is called “desensitization” and involves gradually exposing the horse to various stimuli like touch, sounds, and equipment to make these things seem normal and non-threatening.

For example, a trainer might first gently touch the horse all over its body while speaking softly. Next, they may rub the horse with brushes, put on basic equipment like a halter, or walk circles around the horse.

Over multiple short sessions, the horse builds trust and learns to remain relaxed during handling.

Positive Reinforcement

As horses learn to accept human handling, trainers rely heavily on positive reinforcement, rewarding wanted behaviors with scratches, treats, or verbal praise. This strengthens the horse’s trust and confidence with people.

For the riding process specifically, the trainer first lays increasing weight across the horse’s back, returns to lighter touches to reward cooperation, and slowly builds the horse’s tolerance step-by-step until a human can fully mount.

Establishing Communication and Trust

While mounted, the rider continues using positive reinforcement to encourage the horse to respond correctly to basic commands like “walk on”, “halt”, or “turn”. Clear communication is key so the horse understands what is being asked.

Over many consistent sessions, the horse comes to realize a mounted human does not pose a threat and can in fact be a cooperative partner. A strong foundation of trust and respect develops between horse and rider through this straightforward training process.

Riding Provides Benefits for Horses Too

Mental Stimulation

Being ridden provides important mental stimulation for horses. Interacting with humans requires horses to focus their attention and respond appropriately to cues. This can help prevent boredom and promote an active mind (1).

Additionally, the exposure to new environments while being ridden satisfies horses’ natural curiosity. This mental enrichment is key to good welfare.

Exercise

Riding also provides valuable physical exercise for horses. In natural conditions, horses may travel 10-20 miles per day while grazing. Domestic horses are often confined, so the exercise from being ridden helps meet their exercise needs.

An analysis of pedometer data found that on days they are ridden, horses take an average of 4,350 extra steps (2). This extra activity promotes good musculoskeletal health and circulation.

Social Hierarchy

As herd animals, horses have a complex social structure and hierarchy. When people ride horses, they take on the role of herd leader. Accepting a rider is a signal that the horse views that person as a strong leader.

Researchers have found that horses ridden consistently by the same person show less stress than horses ridden sporadically (3). Having one primary rider provides clarity in the human-horse relationship.

Riding itself can satisfy horses’ need to have a defined social order and confidence in their human caregivers as capable leaders.

Riding Aligns With Natural Horse Behaviors

Grooming

In the wild, horses groom each other by nibbling and scratching to strengthen social bonds and establish hierarchy. When humans groom horses by brushing, massaging, and scratching, it stimulates the release of endorphins and oxytocin in the horse which elicits positive emotions.

This helps the horse associate the human with comfort and belonging to their herd. According to a 2013 study, horses are more relaxed and cooperative with humans who regularly groom them.

Mounting in Herds

Wild horse herds have a lead mare who decides when the herd should move to new grazing areas. The lead mare allows the stallion to mount her when she is ready to depart, signaling the herd to follow. Domestic horses can interpret a human mounting them as a signal to move, kicking in this innate herding behavior.

As herd animals, being mounted also places the human in a leadership role that the horse automatically follows.

Carrying Weight

Horses in the wild may spend over 16 hours a day grazing and wandering to fulfill their feeding requirements. Domestic horses are spared from this exhaustive foraging by receiving feed from humans. In return, horses let us ride them, carrying weights between 100-200lbs, which is less than their typical 900-1200lb body weight.

For perspective, an average horse can comfortably carry 20-25% of its body weight, so a 150lb rider on a 1,200lb horse is only 12% of its weight. The muscle and bone density that allows horses to bear their own hefty bodies also makes them structurally suited for riding.

Horse Weight Acceptable Rider Weight Percent Carried
900lbs 225lbs 25%
1,200 lbs 300lbs 25%

Conclusion

In the course of domesticating and training horses over thousands of years, humans have shaped them physically and mentally to accept riders calmly and cooperatively. Plus riding provides horses cognitive and physical enrichment.

While forcing animals into human service raises ethical questions, the horse-human relationship suggests some symbiosis where both species derive benefit. Understanding this interspecies bond helps explain why these majestic equines allow us on their backs.

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